What is the relationship between elements of ICU treatment and memories after discharge in adult ICU survivors?

Abstract

The body of literature on the relationship between elements of ICU treatment and memories after ICU discharge is small and at its early stages. Larger studies using rigorous study design are needed in order to evaluate the effects of different elements of ICU treatment on the development of memories of the ICU during recovery.

“Pain relieved, but still struggling”—Critically ill patients experiences of pain and other discomforts during analgosedation

“…The content of the delusional memories in our study did not seem to differ from earlier studies, being strange, scary and lifethreatening, but yet closely related to real life events (Svenningsen, Egerod, & Dreyer, 2016;Wade et al, 2015). Aitken et al (2016) concluded that deep sedation in ICU patients often led to amnesia and delusional memories, whereas lightly sedated patients had more stressful experiences.…”

“…Aitken et al. () concluded that deep sedation in ICU patients often led to amnesia and delusional memories, whereas lightly sedated patients had more stressful experiences.…”

“…Patients' experiences during stays in ICU have been extensively explored in quantitative and qualitative studies (Cutler, Hayter, & Ryan, 2013;Egerod et al, 2015;Jones, Griffiths, Humphris, & Skirrow, 2001;Rundshagen, Schnabel, Wegner, & am Esch, 2002). Studies investigating the relationship between different analgesic and sedative approaches and patients' memories from ICU stays were recently presented in a review (Aitken et al, 2016). However, the results are conflicting, and further studies are needed (ibid).…”

Folgen kritischer Erkrankung und mögliche Interventionen

“…Aber auch beängstigende wahnhafte, halluzinatorische Pseudoerinnerungen an den Aufenthalt auf der Intensivstation finden sich je nach Studie und Operationalisierung bei rund einem Viertel der Patienten [28,29]. Diese Pseudoerinnerungen werden im intensivmedizinischen Umfeld u. a. durch eine tiefe Sedierung, Kortikosteroide und Glukoseinfusion zur Behandlung einer Hypoglykämie hervorgerufen [30]. Sie stellen einen Risikofaktor für die spätere Entwicklung von Symptomen einer PTBS, aber auch einer Angststörung oder Depression dar [28,29,[31][32][33][34].…”

Frightening and Traumatic Memories Early after Intensive Care Discharge

“…Delusional memories may originate from hallucinations and periods of delirium. These may all be influenced by sedation, analgesia and delirium management 4 . Few studies have described the nature and prevalence of frightening and traumatic memories early after ICU discharge.…”